The Top Five Resources For Science Scholarships and Internships

A student pursuing an undergraduate degree in the sciences has many options for financial assistance in the form of scholarships and internships. Although most scholarships are very major-specific, there are a few common places to start your search for funding. Here are the top five sources of scholarship assistance for science majors:

1. Professional Societies
Almost every scientific field has an associated professional society. Good examples of such societies are the American Chemical Society, IEEE, and the American Mathematical Society. Most professional societies offer reduced-cost membership to students. For a very low cost, these groups help members connect with job opportunities and offer extensive scholarship assistance. In many cases, membership isn’t necessary to apply for undergraduate scholarships.

2. Government Organizations
(http://www.science.gov/internships/undergrad.html)
NASA and USA.gov for Science offer a variety of internship and scholarship opportunities to both undergraduate and graduate students. Students completing internships through government programs are often given a security clearance that can help them in their post-graduation job search.

3. Organizations Catering To Special Needs/Minority Status
A member of an underrepresented group can generally find an endowment that meets their needs. Examples of groups that are underrespresented in the sciences include women, the physically handicapped, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Some scholarship-granting organizations include: The Society of Women Engineers, and The Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists.

4. Corporations
Leading producers of new technology often provide scholarships for the next generation of scientists hoping to work in the public sector. A simple search for the top five companies in your industry of choice would be a great place to start.

5. University Scholarships
University alumni are notorious for financing subject-specific scholarships. Join clubs on campus that are associated with your major. Chances are they’ll be able to direct you to on-campus funding.

Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships.org. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.